1

“What does it mean to be the Church?” Have

you ever taken the time to ask yourself this

question, or have you ever considered how

God would answer that question? In Isaiah 2:1

-5 the prophet writes, “In days to come the

mountain of the Lord’s house shall be estab-

lished as the highest of the mountains, and

shall be raised above the hills; all the nations

shall stream to it.” Then the prophet goes on

to say, “For out of Zion shall go forth instruc-

tion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusa-

lem.” In this passage we have this wonderful

picture of what the church will be one day.

People will come from all over and they will

learn from God’s Word and want to follow

God’s ways. Then, carried by the people, the

Word of the Lord will stream into the whole

world.

So often we think of Church as the building

where we worship but here we have this won-

derful imagery of more than a place. Here we

have a vision where people from all over are

drawn together, they are transformed by their

worship experience, and they are sent back

into God’s world to carry the same Word that

brings healing, peace, and wholeness for all.

In other words, the Church is not a noun. It is

instead an action. It is we, the people of God,

fed and nourished by the Word of God and

sent into the world to be agents of God’s mis-

sion. And what is God’s mission? To feed the

hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick,

minister to the dying, be a companion for the

lost, and to love and bless the world.

When we see the Church as only a building or

a specific place, then the danger is that we can

leave the church behind. The danger is that we

“go to church,” rather than being the Church

wherever we are and wherever we go. We are

the Church in our homes, our workplaces, our

neighborhoods, our schools, our stores, at the

beauty shop and at the drive-up window.

When we see the church as just a place we go

to worship then we risk the danger of not rec-

ognizing that the church is also out there in

the world. The Church is in the face of a

friend, it’s in the laughter of children, it’s in

the nursing home, it’s in the tears we help

wipe away, and it’s in the greetings of

strangers on the street. Church is the action of

God’s people living out their call to bless the

world.

Right now we are being Church during un-

precedented times. We cannot worship to-

gether inside our building and so we are liter-

ally “streaming” the Word of the Lord through

electronic means into our homes and out into

the whole world. While we miss the actual

building, and we are grieving not physically

being together, we must remember that the

Church is not the building. The Church is each

June 2020 — Volume 87 Number 5

30 Liberty Street, Shillington, PA 19607

Ph: 610.777.7885 Fax: 610.777.3841

www.graceshillington.org

Gra-Lu News

What does it mean to be the Church?

2

and every one of you who are “tuning” in and

who are watching our worship services and

sharing them with your friends and family. The

Church is each of you when you call a friend or

a fellow church member to just check in and say

hello. The Church is each of you when you offer

your time at the food pantry or send in your of-

fering to make sure the ministries of this con-

gregation are continuing. The Church is not the

place we worship, the Church is the people.

God is on a mission to love and bless the whole

world. That’s why God sent Jesus. In Jesus the

kingdom of God came near and the sick were

healed, the outcasts were welcomed in, the dead

were raised and God’s plan for us all was re-

vealed. God wants to use us to change the

world. We are the Church. And that’s our job.

Thank you, dear Church, for all the ways you

are continuing to be a blessing in this world.

Thank you for the ways you are worshiping in

this world. Thank you for sharing your faith,

your generosity, and your love. Thank you for

being the Church!!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Colleen Cox

Thank you for your Continued Financial Support!

Thank you for your prayers and financial support as we navigate through these unprecedented times.

April Contributions were quite strong, including those designated for Easter and Lent. Because of

your steadfast support and the effective management of our expenses by the staff and committees,

Grace has managed to maintain a positive cash flow year-to-date.

Additionally, your council has been successful in obtaining a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan

under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). These funds are availa-

ble to support the costs of our employees who continue to provide the ministries and services that

are vital to Grace and the community; and, to pay for specific fixed expenses such as utilities. A sig-

nificant portion of this loan will most likely be forgiven by the CARES Act. This is certainly a wel-

comed aid to help maintain our current level of ministries, but not a long term solution.

No one is sure what the “new normal” will be as we begin to exit our current environment. But it will

likely require new and creative ministries that will need to be funded. We pray that you will continue

to support Grace as we move forward.

Yours in Christ,

Church Council

Contributions can be mailed to the church at 30 Liberty Street, Shillington, PA 19607, made through our website by using the “VANCO” button, or via the QR code to the right.

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May Council Meeting Highlights via Zoom

Worship Opportunities:

- Digital Worship opportunities continue with daily messages from Pastor Colleen and weekly

worship services all posted for access through our Grace website and on our Facebook page.

- Church council and Pastor Colleen are working on creative ways that our congregation could

come together virtually. Will continue to explore and plan for small group “virtual gather-

ings” such as Bible study groups, book studies, hymn sings, online trivia contests, etc.

- Council continues to have discussion around and is working toward recommendations for how

Grace can safely congregate together as we look toward the future.

The Grace Food Pantry held a curbside pickup on Monday May 18 providing food

for 80 families, estimated to have served approximately 300 people in our community.

Major Projects Update – Toilet rooms across from the office are back in service with a few mi-

nor details to be finished. Work on toilet rooms under the narthex is in progress and will be com-

pleted over the next few months.

Emergency Response Team /Security Update – Continuing to explore options/ acquire

bids for increasing the security of the physical church building, updating the existing security sys-

tem and implementation of security program during future in-person worship services.

For those who are unfamil-

iar with a Zoom meeting,

this photo gives you an

idea of what it looks to

participate!

Anyone who would like a copy of the full Church Council meeting minutes may contact the church office at 610.777.7885 or graceshillington@graceshillington.org.

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Easter Flower Sponsorships

We were accepting memorial and honorary sponsorships for Easter flowers, but, unfortunately,

never had an opportunity to order them, let alone enjoy their beauty or wallow in their fragrance.

We are listing here the sponsorships as the contributors wished to have them recognized. The

funds contributed for Easter flowers will now help cover the cost of the geraniums, once again

adorning our campus, reminding everyone of the Holy Spirit which wafts in and around our

building as well as into the hearts of our devoted members and guests. So, when you walk or drive

buy, enjoy their beauty and recall everyone in our church family.

In loving memory of:

Larry A. Jenks, by Tim and Deb Jenks

Carl Kendall’s son, Michael, by Joan Youngerman

Harry and Arlene Moore by Daniel and Sharon Smith

Mabel and J. Robert Rickenbach, Sr., by Janice E. Maulick

Karl Schneiderhan by Marge, Scott and Debbie

Our loving daughter, Robin B. Fisher Seifert, by Robert and Jeanette Fisher

William Scollay by the Jordan girls

James M. Smith by his family

Janet Stamm, Professor of English, Muhlenberg College, by Pat Herbst

In honor of:

The ministry and leadership of Rev. Thomas Reinsel, by Tim and Deb Jenks

Our wonderful parents, Shirley and Jack Rhein, by the Johnsons and young Rheins

Our beautiful mother, grandmother (Nana) and Great-Grandmother, Betty Rickenbach, by

Marcie & Chip and families

Nancy Smith by Sharon and Daniel Smith

Member News

Noah I. Breneman, grandson of Janice E. Maulick graduated in May with a Masters Degree in music

performance from the Thornton School of Music, USC. Upon graduating from Exeter High School in

2014 he attended Penn State, graduating with a Bachelor degree. His instrument of choice is the

oboe, but he also plays the English horn.

While at Exeter, Noah performed in band and orchestra making the ranks in county, district and state

bands and orchestra. He also played in the Reading Philharmonic, Reading Symphony Youth Orches-

tra and Ringgold band. Because of his involvement in these organizations he received many awards

and funding which allowed him to attend PSU.

Due to the Covid-19, Noah has not been able to audition for the San Diego symphony as planned and

his job search has come to a halt. He has moved in with a cousin, Terra, and family, daughter of Mar-

cie Bilger, as he had to move from his apartment. He will persevere, as that is the kind of young man

Noah Breneman is and he will once again be able to fulfill his dream of playing in an orchestra some

day!

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1 Cecilia Skoniczin

Kathy Van Reed

2 Rosemary Blair

3 Karen Nein

Paul Schirmer

4 Ralph Gerhart

Andrew Lundin

Steven Lundin

David Nowotarski

5 Merrill Brown

Diane Hill

Sierra Smith

8 Victoria Reichert

Brianna Torres

9 Savannah Care

Janet Keehn

10 Ann Barlet

Patricia Bright

11 Cheryl Hartman

Sandi Rick

12 Lorraine Gerhart

Megan King

13 Lara Leister

14 Landon Crammer

Nancy Martin

15 Mary Swoyer

18 Rowan Crammer

19 Nancy Kennedy

Adam Price

20 Julia Jablonski

Jacob Spatz

Samuel Swoyer

21 Stephanie Witmyer

22 Pauline Klopp

Paul Novotny

23 Amy Fake

Hannah Fitzgerald

24 Richard Grauf

Haley Williams

27 Sarah Jablonski

28 Patricia Kreitz

June Dates to Remember

Trinity Sunday, June 7

Flag Day, June 14

First day of summer, June 20

Father’s Day, June 21

June Sponsorships

Any contributions for flowers sponsored before

the pandemic will be used for geraniums and

other grounds upkeep.

June 7

Eternal Flame — Dave and Kim Nakonecznyj,

celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary

Flowers — Bill and Anne Scheirer in honor of

Tyler’s High School graduation

— Suzie Harteg , celebrating grandson Aus-

tin’s 5th birthday

Bulletin — Scott and Lori Scheirer celebrating

Tyler’s High School graduation

Eagle Ad — Lawrence and Kriczky Families

in memory of Barry Davidheiser

June 14

Eternal Flame and Bulletin — Karen Nein,

remembering flag day today and J. Robert

Rickenbach, Jr. for his birthday, June 17

Eagle Ad—Mackenzie and Alex Scheirer in

Honor of Tyler’s graduation

June 21

Eternal Flame —Suzie Harteg in memory of

friend, Jack Richards

Bulletin — Pat Bright , in honor of all her

loved ones

Eagle Ad — John and Nancy Berry, to the

Glory of God

June 28

Eternal Flame and Eagle Ad — Joan, Frank

and Adam Kulp and family in loving memory

of mother and Nana, Ruth Witmyer

Bulletin — Pat Bright, in memory of Kimberly

Bright

6

“Solutions are not found by pointing fingers; they are

reached by extending hands.” —Aysha Taryam

7

The May 18 Grace Food Pantry

provided food for 82 families for a

total of 302 people. In these trou-

bled times, we are thankful to be

able to provide assistance for these

local families. The cars lined up

around the block, and several local

individuals walked to the church

with carts to take donations with

them. In May, we provided emer-

gency boxes, fresh fruit, milk and

juice , bags of frozen items and

bags of dairy products.

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Paolo’s Fundraiser Through GroupRaise

We have scheduled a fundraiser to bolster our Hunger Fund which assists our

neighbors who need food. And, best of all, we get to eat, too!

The fundraiser takes place Tuesday, June 16, between the hours of 4 and 9 PM,

however, we need a minimum of 20 orders by June 13 for this to work. You can

call Paolo’s at 610.775.3500, or go to https://www.groupraise.com/events/154061 to place your

order. Find the menu on Paolos’ website, mypaolospizza.com. If you call or go to their website to

place your order tell them you are with the “GroupRaise Meal for Grace Evangelical Lutheran

Church” and 15% of your food order will be donated back to the church. You must pickup if you

order this way. If you prefer to have your food delivered, go to the “Door Dash” app on your

phone, and in the section for order notes or special instructions, include “I am with the

GroupRaise Meal for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.”

Thank you for your support! PS—only food is included in the fundraiser!

Prayer Requests

Prayer Phone Chain: You may call the church office at 610.777.7885 and ask for your prayer re-

quest to be put on the prayer phone chain, also known as the prayer circle. When your request is re-

ceived, a chain of calls is initiated to five groups with 4 or 5 people in each group who will all be

praying for your request. That’s a lot of prayer! This is especially good for immediate and urgent re-

quests. If you would like to be a participant in one of the groups or have a request after church

hours, please notify the church office.

Do You Know??

Do you know that Pastor Colleen posts a daily

video blog on Grace's Facebook Page and on

Grace's YouTube channel? To find the link to

both of these services, please go to our website

at www.graceshillington.org and click on the

links. If you click on the link for our YouTube,

then please click on the videos tab and all the

videos that have been uploaded, including our

Sunday worship services, will be available to

view. The daily video blogs are a way for all of

us to stay connected and to be reminded that

We Are Church.

Pictured at right: Pastor Colleen recording Sunday services.

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A Message from the Director of Music Ministry

One of my fondest memories from high school was sitting with a group of friends

in my orchestra teacher’s living room listening to a new rock opera, Andrew Lloyd

Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. It was fresh, cool, and exciting. It appealed to

both my interest in musical theater and to the spiritual journey that I hadn’t yet

realized had begun for me. This was followed by another musical, Godspell, which

opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971. The story is presented in a more whimsical

manner and Stephen Schwartz’s music runs the gamut from fanciful to impulsive to deeply poign-

ant. His lament, “On the Willows,” captures the essence of Psalm 137:

On the willows, there

We hung up our lyres

for our captors there required of us songs

And our tormentors, mirth

Saying

Sing us one of the songs of Zion

But how can we sing?

Sing the Lord's songs?

In a foreign land?

As news of a worldwide pandemic became known; As shelter-in-place orders became a way of life

and our congregational worship became a virtual reality, this is the song and these are the words

that spoke to my soul. Singing, following a virus that the experts tell us is spread through respira-

tory droplets, will be awkward. Clearly, as we move from red to yellow to green, we shall open to a

new familiar.

We must remember that we are not alone. With patience, flexibility and the commitment to do

our best for one another, we can embrace our new familiar. Perhaps, we can sing our song in a

new way remembering that through it all,

Blessings,

Tim

The Word in Season

If you would like a “Word in Season” booklet please inform the office so arrangements can be

made to get it to you.

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Join us for our 1st Virtual Promise Walk to support Family Promise of Berks County a non-profit

organization that helps families and youth experiencing homelessness.

Fun for all ages-kids and pets too! Enjoy exercise and fun with your family and friends. Form a

team, walk individually or with your pet to raise funds.

Missing connecting with family and friends not in your home? Form a team and invite other

households to join you – all in the spirit of coming together “virtually” to help local families and

youth in need.

Teams can share their progress by uploading videos and pictures daily. Inspire others and

watch to see which team will take the lead!

Online registration is only $25 per household. You and your sponsors can donate more to help

motivate you to the finish line, whether you walk, jog or sprint to the goal.

Not ready to run? Sponsor your favorite team and contribute towards the finish line as a Walker,

Jogger or Sprinter.

Prizes that support local businesses will be awarded to the top fundraisers in the following catego-

ries: Individual, Team and Most Creative Video or

Picture.

Where you walk, when you walk and how far is up to

you! Your neighborhood, local park, the treadmill,

around your house or yard... Just be creative!

Don't forget to take pictures and videos and upload

them to this website & your social media.

#PromiseWalk #ComeTogether

#FamilyPromiseBerks

Have fun and remember to stay safe and maintain

the social distancing guidelines.

All funds raised will help families and youth build a

better future!

Register Now at CHARITY.GOFUNDME.COM/PROMISE-

WALK to make a difference!

Ready, Set, Go!

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Global Barnyard Collection

ELCA World Hunger's Global Barnyard is a year-

long fundraising challenge to support the agri-

culture-related programs of ELCA and World

Hunger. Because these

barns have been gathering

your loose change and dol-

lar bills for several months

now, and we are unsure

when we will meet in a

‘normal’ capacity, Penny

Pinto suggested that a bin

be available Monday through Thursday, from 9

AM to Noon, during the weeks of June 7 & 14. If

you are able, please stop by the church during

these hours to deposit them in the bin located at

the bottom of the ramp by the red door. The bin

will be brought inside after noon and Karen will

keep ‘an eye out’ to make sure that no one ab-

sconds with them!

“Thank you” Notes from our Congregation

Grace Council, staff and the Pastoral Care

Team have been contacting individuals in our

congregation to notify everyone of our current

worship methodology, inquire about personal

needs and offer assistance and emotional sup-

port.

Those we have been able to reach have gra-

ciously expressed thanks for the outreach and

emotional support. We have received a pleth-

ora of written and verbal words of thanks.

John Berry expressed his deep appreciation

for the many nice cards he received from

Grace members for his 90th birthday. They

brightened his day when the family couldn’t

get together to celebrate.

If you have not been contacted, perhaps we

do not have a good phone number or email

address for you. PLEASE contact the church

office to update your information.

Christian Symbol: The Olive Branch

The olive branch is a symbol of peace, harmony and healing. Olive trees provide shelter, as well

as oil used for ointment and consecration. The olive branch also represents deliverance from

hardships and anxiety because a dove brought an olive leaf back to Noah’s ark after the flood

ended (Genesis 8:11).

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Contents of this Issue

Birthdays ............................................................ 5

Children’s Activities .......................................... 6

Christian Symbol: The Olive Branch ............... 11

Council Highlights ............................................ 3

Do You Know? ................................................... 8

Easter Flower Sponsorship ............................... 4

Family Promise ............................................... 10

Global Barnyard Collection .............................. 11

June Dates to Remember ............................................. 5

June Sponsorships ............................................. 5

Member News ................................................................ 4

Message from the Director of Music .................... 9

Message from Pastor Colleen ......................... 1, 2

Paolo’s Fundraiser Through GroupRaise ......... 8

Pastoral Communication ................................. 12

Photos of May Food Bank .................................. 7

Prayer Requests ................................................ 8

Staff and contact information .......................... 12

Thank You for Your Continued Support ........... 2

Thank You Notes From the Congregation ....... 11

Word in Season ................................................. 9

Congregation Council Jim Thompson, President Paul Eppley

Chip Bilger, Vice President Suzie Harteg

Marcie Bilger Rory Knosp

Kelley Gallen, Secretary Ruth O’Leary

Gary Yost, Treasurer* Chris Papada

Tracy Adami Melissa Smith

Jerry Crammer Ray Truex

Janis Eppley *Non-council member

Gra-Lu News Staff Contributors: Staff; Church Council; church members, staff

Karen A. Nein: Editor

Coordinators: Sylvia Klett, Linda Spitko

Collators: Carol Baker, Jane Heydt, Diane Holland, Nan-cy Kennedy, Joan Kulp, Pat Lamber, Janice Maulick, Shirley Rhein, Nancy Smith, Rosemary Witmer, Barbara Wolfe

At this time, coordinators and collators are on hiatus due to COVID-19.

Current Worship Online at www.graceshillington.org

Contact us:

Church phone: 610.777.7885 Fax: 610.777.3841

Email Pastor Colleen Cox pastor@graceshillington.org Tim Jenks tjenks@graceshillington.org Deb Jenks djenks@graceshillington.org Karen Nein knein@graceshillington.org Kim Nakonecznyj ChristianEd@graceshillington.org Church office graceshillington@graceshillington.org

“Like us” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/

GraceShillPA Website: www.graceshillington.org

Church Staff Rev. Colleen Cox ..................................... Pastor

Rev. David Roper ................. Pastoral Associate

Timothy Jenks ..... Director of Music Ministries

Deborah Jenks ................................... Organist

Karen A. Nein ................. Parish Administrator

Kim Nakonecznyj ........... Christian Education

Coordinator

Brian Ruffner ........................................ Sexton

Donald Rauber .................................... Security

Pastoral Communication

During this time of Pandemic, as everyone is following the directive to stay home, Pastor Colleen

will not have any regular office hours at the church. However, you may email Pastor at pas-

tor@graceshillington.org or you call her on her cell phone at 215.264.5274. In case of a Pasto-

ral emergency, she can be reached 24/7. Please note that Pastor Colleen uses this

phone for all emergencies which means the volume is always on. Please refrain from texting after

9pm or before 9am.